Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Why did Cheektowaga resident Tom Brenner pay a visit to Seneca One Stop gas station and convenience store in Downtown Buffalo?
The short answer: His quest to find less expensive gas.
"You have to go where it is the cheapest," Brenner said.
According to the AAA of Western and Central New York, the average cost of gas has risen by 11% between March 2 and March 9, going from $3.06 per-gallon to $3.40 per-gallon.
One year ago, gas was going for $3.09 a gallon.
Rising gas prices, coupled with increased food and utility costs, are hitting the wallets of area residents hard.
Daemen University student Allie Beasom said she is being forced to make some hard choices.
The same is true for Joshua True.
"I suppose you just got to live with it," True said.
Destination Niagara USA CEO John Percy is bracing for what could be a tough tourism season if gas prices continue to rise.
For Niagara Falls, some 80% of its annual visitors come via car.
"Rising gas prices is just one of a multitude of issues we have to deal with," Percy said.
For now, reservations have been strong but Percy fears if gas goes beyond $5 a gallon - as some analysts are predicting - it may impact Niagara Falls.
"It could end up being that decision maker," Percy said.